WESTMINSTER NEWS
Defence Secretary reaffirms US relationship on visit to Washington DC
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson was in the United States last week, where he delivered a speech to the Atlantic Council think-tank, emphasising the continuing strength of the UK and US relationship. In what will be read as a move to assure the US of the UK’s continued reliability as a defence partner, Mr Williamson stated that ‘the USA has no greater friend on the global stage than the UK…our two countries have developed the deepest, broadest and most advanced Defence relationship of any two nations. The United States has never had nor will have a more reliable ally than the United Kingdom. Others may pretend, but you will find no greater ally than us.’ Mr Williamson also emphasised UK commitment to NATO and the need for long-term planning among the alliance to counter emerging threats from Russia and China. He warned that that not enough is being done to establish a ‘grand strategy’ among NATO partners, warning that if that conversation is not had the alliance and its allies will be ill-prepared for future challenges. Mr Williamson also held meetings at the Pentagon with US Defense Secretary, Jim Mattis. On the agenda were current threats to prosperity and safety, including Russia and the ongoing fight against Daesh.
2018’s Top 100 Defence Companies revealed
Defense News this week unveiled its ‘Top 100 Defence Companies list’ for 2018, showing annual increases in global revenue for the second year in a row, 2017 having been the first time in five years. Total worldwide revenues for the Top 100 companies totalled $375.4Bn(USD), an increase of 2.9% over the previous year. The top ten firms accounted for more than of the total, with Lockheed Martin, Boeing and BAE Systems respectively retaining the top three ranking positions. In addition to BAE Systems, nine other companies headquartered in the UK featured on this list; Rolls-Royce (16), GKN Aerospace (26), Babcock International (29), Cobham (49), Serco (60), Ultra Electronics (68), Meggitt (71), Qinetiq (77), and Chemring (88). The full list can be found here.
OTHER NEWS
EU defence ambitions trickle down to industry, but is it good for business? (Defense News)